I collect blue plates. 38 years ago I visited an antique shop in Berry NSW and saw these Willow pattern plates. There were two at $30 each, way beyond my budget. I headed home via Kangaroo Valley, stopped at a garage sale, picked up the same plates for only 10 cents each. I’ve been collecting ever since. Slowed down a bit over the last decade realising, no one in my family will want them when I’m gone, they’ll just end up at an op shop. I also have two books awarded to my great grandmother in 1901 when she was in third class. This started my obsession with reading and books, although I have none of any value.
Hi Jane, there’s a really informative webpage on the National Archives of Australia that specifically addresses photography & the preservation of photographs. It’s also got a link to the Australian Standards for the Physical Conditions for Preservation & Storage & very useful information on what adaption’s & accommodations can be made if you don’t possess facilities that meet the standards. (who does?). If I recall correctly, there is also some information available in the Film Archives. It’s a great hobby. I suspect you’ve entered your rabbit hole dear Alice! Cheers, Melba
My weakness is fine bone china. I have some beautiful pieces collected over the years. Trios (Tea cup, saucer & plate) as well as dishes, jugs, plates.
My favourite shop is LifeLine in Campbelltown NSW. I have to keep myself in check when visiting. I will hold the treasure, admire it and ask myself do I really need another piece?
I have told my children not to just discard the pieces once I am gone. Some are worth $$$. I don't expect them to keep them but at least donate them back from whence they came.
I can totally get behind this addiction! My current project is researching the story of the owner of and each person who signed an 1882 autograph book I found at a flea market. All are young ladies who attended St. Mary's Academy - then a girls' school on the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, IN.
The first two posts are up. The first is for the original owner of the book, as best I can determine. The second is The Lancaster Sisters, Lillie and Kate, both of whom attended the Academy, although only Lillie signed the book.
What fun :) as for what I collect ..TBH Jane I no longer 'collect' in fact I am at a stage in my life that I am releasing my previous collectables and transforming my 'organic' ephemera into 'product' for soil improvement :)
Guilty as charged! I have a small collection of Carte de Visites, Cabinet cards and Stereoscope cards all purchased in antique and second hand stores. Also a Stereoscope Viewer. My collecting does not stop there, also have a large collection of lapel pins of various ages and my Dad's collection of Trade Dollars.
Hah, there’s a new book out called ‘Cartomania’ for people like us. But it’s quite big. I want to ask you about cleaning these little beauties Kathy - next Kathy’s Corner.
Ooh, this sounds like something I would love. I love antique photographs, but it often saddens me that they have not remained with family. Often, I come across photographs in lovely antique frames and wonder about the subject ... who were they? what did they enjoy? where did they live? why were their images given away? I am sure there are a myriad of reasons. I am so grateful for the many wonderful photos that I have in my possession - all ancestors. I love to share the stories that go with the photographs ... particularly one of my grandmother, taken just before she was gifted with her very own pair of shoes (not the shared black boots portrayed in the image). Off now to check out the auction sites ...
Thanks Michelle. That's such a lovely detail about your grandmother 'sharing' a pair of black boots! That's a great title for a book! Grandma's Boots & Other Stories!
Ah the allure of old photographs & online auctions. I saw a beautiful portrait of a serviceman in a lovely frame out on the footpath for Council pick-up, so I brought it home to research who it is & hopefully offer it back to some descendants who care. You can put an eBay alert onto searches with your family surnames as their keyword & be notified when items become available.
Oh Jane I delight each week with your stories and beautifully written words that touch my heart , Oh, to have your gift of words. ❤️
Regarding collections , I have a few that give me joy & my family makes fun of me but lovingly accept my whimsical ways !!
I first bought Portmerion crockery when we were in UK in 1980 , my husband was on a Naval Diving Course based in Portsmouth .
A beautiful shop window of Portmerion was on display and I was in love !! So much fun selecting what items would come back home .
I continued to add to my collection , some pieces have broken over time , ( like when our cat knocked the plant pot to the floor ) but I accept with over when using Portmerion each day which I love & I feel joy , unintentional accidents happen
Anyway roll on 2024 & I just added a lovely measuring jug to my collection for baking , 1/2 price at DJ ‘s yesterday !!
I did spy 2 small lasagne dishes but I held my resolve not to purchase !!
My other collection is shower gels ! Crazy hey !!!
They are French Roger & Galette GelDouche , I buy online and wait 3 months from Spain so postage is not huge !! There is definitely no reason guests staying at our apartment cannot be deliciously clean and scented !!
Oh I love this Margo! We develop these wonderful attachments and we will one day have to let them go. They are ‘things’ but can still bring us meaning. I’m fine with the letting go part too.
I collect blue plates. 38 years ago I visited an antique shop in Berry NSW and saw these Willow pattern plates. There were two at $30 each, way beyond my budget. I headed home via Kangaroo Valley, stopped at a garage sale, picked up the same plates for only 10 cents each. I’ve been collecting ever since. Slowed down a bit over the last decade realising, no one in my family will want them when I’m gone, they’ll just end up at an op shop. I also have two books awarded to my great grandmother in 1901 when she was in third class. This started my obsession with reading and books, although I have none of any value.
Write about your collection Ann? X
Hi Jane, there’s a really informative webpage on the National Archives of Australia that specifically addresses photography & the preservation of photographs. It’s also got a link to the Australian Standards for the Physical Conditions for Preservation & Storage & very useful information on what adaption’s & accommodations can be made if you don’t possess facilities that meet the standards. (who does?). If I recall correctly, there is also some information available in the Film Archives. It’s a great hobby. I suspect you’ve entered your rabbit hole dear Alice! Cheers, Melba
Ooh thank you Melba! You know everything!! X
Ah Jane you have opened Pandora's box!
My weakness is fine bone china. I have some beautiful pieces collected over the years. Trios (Tea cup, saucer & plate) as well as dishes, jugs, plates.
My favourite shop is LifeLine in Campbelltown NSW. I have to keep myself in check when visiting. I will hold the treasure, admire it and ask myself do I really need another piece?
I have told my children not to just discard the pieces once I am gone. Some are worth $$$. I don't expect them to keep them but at least donate them back from whence they came.
Enjoy your new habit Jane.
Keep enjoying them Kerrie! Lifeline is tops x
I can totally get behind this addiction! My current project is researching the story of the owner of and each person who signed an 1882 autograph book I found at a flea market. All are young ladies who attended St. Mary's Academy - then a girls' school on the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, IN.
I absolutely love this idea Cynthia! Can’t wait to see what you create.
The first two posts are up. The first is for the original owner of the book, as best I can determine. The second is The Lancaster Sisters, Lillie and Kate, both of whom attended the Academy, although only Lillie signed the book.
Oh my gosh I LOVE that idea so much! Please tell me the finished project will be going out into the world at some point!
It will! Thank you.
Lovely article Jane, thank you for sharing your "dangerous and highly addictive habit". I have the same habit I'm afraid!
At least it’s not harmful to our health 🤞Thanks for sharing your knowledge Ann.
What fun :) as for what I collect ..TBH Jane I no longer 'collect' in fact I am at a stage in my life that I am releasing my previous collectables and transforming my 'organic' ephemera into 'product' for soil improvement :)
Hmmm - what does he mean by ‘organic ephemera’ 🤔
turn it to ash and put it in the compost :)
Guilty as charged! I have a small collection of Carte de Visites, Cabinet cards and Stereoscope cards all purchased in antique and second hand stores. Also a Stereoscope Viewer. My collecting does not stop there, also have a large collection of lapel pins of various ages and my Dad's collection of Trade Dollars.
Hah, there’s a new book out called ‘Cartomania’ for people like us. But it’s quite big. I want to ask you about cleaning these little beauties Kathy - next Kathy’s Corner.
Ooh, this sounds like something I would love. I love antique photographs, but it often saddens me that they have not remained with family. Often, I come across photographs in lovely antique frames and wonder about the subject ... who were they? what did they enjoy? where did they live? why were their images given away? I am sure there are a myriad of reasons. I am so grateful for the many wonderful photos that I have in my possession - all ancestors. I love to share the stories that go with the photographs ... particularly one of my grandmother, taken just before she was gifted with her very own pair of shoes (not the shared black boots portrayed in the image). Off now to check out the auction sites ...
Thanks Michelle. That's such a lovely detail about your grandmother 'sharing' a pair of black boots! That's a great title for a book! Grandma's Boots & Other Stories!
Ah the allure of old photographs & online auctions. I saw a beautiful portrait of a serviceman in a lovely frame out on the footpath for Council pick-up, so I brought it home to research who it is & hopefully offer it back to some descendants who care. You can put an eBay alert onto searches with your family surnames as their keyword & be notified when items become available.
Janelle, please don't tempt me any further!!! x Did you find out who the serviceman was?
Dear Jane ,
Oh Jane I delight each week with your stories and beautifully written words that touch my heart , Oh, to have your gift of words. ❤️
Regarding collections , I have a few that give me joy & my family makes fun of me but lovingly accept my whimsical ways !!
I first bought Portmerion crockery when we were in UK in 1980 , my husband was on a Naval Diving Course based in Portsmouth .
A beautiful shop window of Portmerion was on display and I was in love !! So much fun selecting what items would come back home .
I continued to add to my collection , some pieces have broken over time , ( like when our cat knocked the plant pot to the floor ) but I accept with over when using Portmerion each day which I love & I feel joy , unintentional accidents happen
Anyway roll on 2024 & I just added a lovely measuring jug to my collection for baking , 1/2 price at DJ ‘s yesterday !!
I did spy 2 small lasagne dishes but I held my resolve not to purchase !!
My other collection is shower gels ! Crazy hey !!!
They are French Roger & Galette GelDouche , I buy online and wait 3 months from Spain so postage is not huge !! There is definitely no reason guests staying at our apartment cannot be deliciously clean and scented !!
Enjoy your new delights with your photographs . 🥰
Kind regards ,
Margo
Oh I love this Margo! We develop these wonderful attachments and we will one day have to let them go. They are ‘things’ but can still bring us meaning. I’m fine with the letting go part too.